The high price of being too nice
Do you find yourself saying "yes" when you want to (or should) say "no"? We all do it. We want to be nice. But, let's take a look at the cost of being too nice.
Relationships
How to handle difficult people
We all have encounters with difficult people who leave us rattled and shaken.
Cultivating healthy relationships
Sandy glanced at the caller ID. Mom was calling for the third time today. Later during her counseling session, Sandy emitted a mix of fear and fury. “Why can’t Mom leave me alone to live my own life? She hovers over me like I’m eight years old and don’t know how to make an intelligent decision or run my own…
How to date as a single person
Waiting, watching, praying, seeking counsel, more waiting, more talking, more praying. Christian circles are full of dating talk, and many well-meaning people offer input. I’ve gone through every stage – the I-Kissed-Dating-Goodbye stage, the I-Gave-Dating-A-Chance stage, the Live-Like-A-Hermit-‘Til-He-Comes-Riding-in-on-a-Hor…
Grace Reif on
The value of words, what to do with a million a year?
The choice of words make a huge difference. What we say to our kids, our spouse, our boss, our friends and standing in line, the words we use are so powerful. Sometimes we say words that shouldn’t be said. Sometimes we omit words that need to be said. In James 3, we find that words can change the course of life. no man can tame the tongue,…
How to initiate a difficult conversation
John and Cindy frequently argued about how to handle their finances. John bought the latest electronic gadgets. Cindy clipped coupons and shopped second hand stores. As retirement loomed, Cindy’s anxiety about their financial future grew. Every time she tried to talk with John about saving more money however, he became defensive…
Are you guilty of verbal assault?
“Reckless words pierce like a sword.” Proverbs 12:18 “With his mouth the godless destroys his neighbor” Proverbs 11:9 “The tongue has the power of life and death. Proverbs 18:21 Growing up we all heard the nursery rhyme, “sticks and stones will break our bones but words will never hurt us.” It is a lie. The wounds may be invisible,…
Is your emotional account overdrawn?
As a woman, do you feel pressure to be a Betty Crocker mom, a Victoria Secret wife, and a Martha Stewart house-keeper, all while working to help provide some family income? We tell ourselves that we ought to home school our kids, and then we feel selfish if we don’t or can’t. In addition, we want to pray and study our Bible,…
Get rid of it
Like many of you, I’m simplifying my life. I’m getting rid of stuff I don’t need, don’t use, can’t take care of or don’t want. Recently I ran across an old letter I’d saved, written by my mother. Throughout my entire life, we had an emotionally destructive relationship. Even as an adult, as a Christian and as a professional counselor,…
Live the Promise
Audio
Cultivating drama-free friendships
Too many women friendships are full of backbiting, competition and gossip. How can we learn to interact in ways that are encouraging instead of draining? On this Live the Promise, Susie was broadcasting live from Focus on the Family! She talked with good friend and Focus on the Family program director Erin Smalley about how to…
Susie Larson on
The science of being charming
He walks into the room. You immediately notice. Something about him draws you. He pulls you into conversation and commands the attention of the people around you. You walk away and think, “I like him and enjoyed his company.”
Break the complaining habit
You had a crummy day. Not much went right and you are exhausted. You find yourself in a Grinch mood. As a result, the rest of the day is spent complaining and venting.
Keeping secrets
A patient told me, “I have kept a secret from my husband. But if I tell him, it could end our marriage.”